A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the parties failed to secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in the last general elections – a constitutional requirement for political parties to remain registered. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been ordered to delist them and bar them from participating in subsequent elections, including the 2027 general elections.
Who filed the suit against these political parties?
The Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators filed the suit (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026). The plaintiff named INEC as the 1st defendant and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) was also joined in the suit.
Where was the judgment delivered?
The judgment was delivered at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Peter Lifu presided over the case.
What was the basis for the court’s decision?
The court ruled that the five political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance. Specifically, they did not secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in the last general elections – a threshold that political parties must meet to remain registered under Nigerian law.
When did this judgment take effect?
The judgment was delivered on Monday, June 15, 2026. The news was published on June 15, 2026.
Why were these specific parties targeted?
The plaintiff argued that the affected political parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements for remaining registered. None of the defendants effectively countered that argument. The court agreed and ordered deregistration.
How does this affect the parties?
INEC has been ordered to deregister them immediately. They cannot participate in subsequent elections – including the 2027 general elections. They are effectively barred from the political arena.
5 key takeaways from the court’s order to deregister five political parties.
1. The judgment could be appealed – but the clock is ticking toward 2027. The parties have the right to appeal. But with the 2027 elections approaching, any appeal must be filed and heard quickly. If the appeal fails, the parties will miss the election cycle entirely. That could be a death blow for smaller parties.
2. The constitutional requirement – 25 per cent of votes – is a high bar for small parties. Nigeria’s political landscape is dominated by the APC and PDP. Smaller parties struggle to meet the 25 per cent threshold. This judgment raises questions about whether the threshold is too high, and whether it effectively entrenches the two-party system.
3. The ADC is the most prominent of the deregistered parties. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) gained some visibility when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined and became its presidential candidate. The party also had some state-level influence. Its deregistration is a significant blow to opposition forces.
4. Accord, AA, APP, and ZLP are lesser-known – but still have structures. These parties may not be household names. But they have party executives, members, and in some cases, elected officials at local government levels. Deregistration means those structures must dissolve or seek new political homes.
5. The judgment strengthens INEC’s power to enforce party registration rules. INEC has often been criticised for registering too many political parties – some of which exist only on paper. This judgment gives INEC legal backing to clean up the register. Other parties that fail to meet the 25 per cent threshold may also face deregistration suits.
How this affects Nigeria’s political landscape.
i. The opposition is further weakened ahead of 2027. The ADC was a potential vehicle for opposition forces. Its deregistration forces Atiku and other ADC members to find a new party – or return to the PDP. The opposition is now more fragmented.
ii. Members of deregistered parties may migrate to the NDC or other surviving parties. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) – led by Peter Obi – is not affected. Other smaller parties may absorb fleeing politicians. The political realignment has begun.
iii. The judgment may trigger a wave of deregistration suits. Other parties that failed the 25 per cent test may now face similar legal challenges. The National Forum of Former Legislators – or other groups – could file more suits.
iv. Voters will have fewer choices on the ballot. Five parties removed. Fewer options. That may simplify voting – or reduce representation. Voters who identified with these parties may now feel disenfranchised.
v. The 25 per cent threshold may now face constitutional challenges. Critics argue that the threshold is anti-democratic – it favours established parties and blocks new entrants. The judgment may lead to calls for a constitutional review of the requirement.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To the deregistered parties (ADC, Accord, AA, APP, ZLP): file your appeals immediately. The Court of Appeal may have a different view. Do not accept the judgment as final without exploring legal options.
2. To INEC: prepare to implement the judgment. Update the party register. Communicate clearly which parties are deregistered. Also, prepare for potential appeals – do not delist parties if an appeal is pending.
3. To the National Assembly: review the 25 per cent threshold. Is it fair? Is it democratic? Consider amending the Constitution to lower the requirement – or provide exemptions for newer parties.
4. To politicians in deregistered parties: do not panic. You have options. Join other parties – the NDC, PDP, or APC. But choose carefully. Do not jump to a party that may also face deregistration.
5. To the electorate: fewer parties may mean less confusion. But it also means less choice. Pay attention to where your preferred candidates move. Your vote may still count – just under a different party name.
A question to make you reflect.
If the Constitution requires political parties to secure 25 per cent of votes to remain registered – and only the APC and PDP can realistically meet that threshold – what purpose do smaller parties serve in Nigeria’s democracy?
The honest answer is: very little, under current law. Smaller parties serve as protest votes, as platforms for candidates who lose primaries, and as training grounds for new politicians. But the 25 per cent threshold effectively bars them from permanence. This judgment is not a surprise. It is the law applying itself. The real debate is whether the law itself is democratic. That debate has now become urgent.
🎓 Attend 2027/2028 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News gathered that five political parties have been ordered deregistered. ADC, Accord, AA, APP, and ZLP – all failed to meet the 25 per cent vote threshold. They are barred from the 2027 elections. The judgment is a blow to smaller parties and a victory for those who believe Nigeria’s political space is too crowded. But it is also a warning: if you cannot win, you cannot survive. That is not democracy. That is survival of the fittest.